'The Cathedral of the Sea' Walking Book Tour in Barcelona

Explore the city of Barcelona on this guided walking tour and relive the stories of the exciting novel ‘The Cathedral of the Sea’, by Ildefonso Falcones. Visit various locations highlighted in the novel, such as the Church of Santa Maria del Mar and the Born Quarter, and immerse yourself in Barcelona's medieval times as you listen to commentary from your expert guide.

Travel back to Barcelona's medieval times as you follow the characters’ footsteps from Spain’s bestseller The Cathedral of the Sea, written by Ildefonso Falcones and winner of the 2006 Silver Euskadi Prize for best Spanish-language novel. This mesmerizing historical novel follows the trials and tribulations of a peasant father and son who escape the abuses of their feudal lord and flee to Barcelona, where they soon discover complications with their new-found freedom and wealth.

Meet your expert guide at Santa Maria del Mar Square and embark on your Barcelona walking tour. Your guide will tell you all about the main characters as you explore the novel's main spots, such as the Church of Santa Maria del Mar, built by local fishermen and instantly recognizable by its octagonal towers and large, rose-shaped stained-glass window.

Walk the top of Collserola Mountain, which connected the northern city of Ampurias with the southern city of Tarragona, and enjoy commentary from your guide about the scene from the book that happened here -- when Bernat discovered for the first time his freedom and the immensity of the sea.

As you discover the real settings of the novel, admire Gothic Barcelona. Explore the Born Quarter, with characteristic narrow streets and quaint café-lined squares. Visit the atmospheric Jewish Quarter, located between the Barcelona Cathedral (La Seu) and Plaça Jaume, and get a fascinating insight into both Barcelona's history and the story of Jews in Catalonia. Finally, reach Cathedral Square, where your tour will end. From here, you may continue your exploration of Barcelona at your own pace.